Diversity

About Pantelleria DonkeysAbout Pantelleria Donkeys





Pantelleria Donkeys are an ancient breed from Pantelleria island, Italy, where they were common until a few decades ago.

Pantelleria Donkeys are very strong, in the past the were used to carry extremely heavy loads around the paths of the island. They represented an important resource for the island and Trapani province. The hybrids (mules) were highly appreciated abroad, as well. Also at some time in the past speed races were organized on track and Pantelleria Donkeys was preferred to horses, as they were more suitable to be ridden on any kind of ground. Unfortunately they are now almost totally extinct.

They are very robust animals, with a fast and sure walk when descending rocky paths mainly, thanks to the natural amble walk (they move forwards the limbs of the same side), their comfortable mount and a precocious growth, together with a great physical stamina and toughness to hardships like the lack of drinking water; not least their intelligence. These are the main features of this animal that for a lot of time accompanied the life and the labour of people in Pantelleria. Content and Photo source: Agraria.org.